Legal experts commissioned by Telecom Italia (TLIT.MI) to give an opinion on Vivendi's (VIV.PA) growing influence over the company have said the French group does not breach Italian rules aimed at protecting strategic companies, a document reviewed by Reuters shows. Telecom Italia (TIM) has sent the opinion to the Italian government, which is looking into whether Vivendi failed to meet an obligation to notify it of its effective control of a firm considered a strategic national asset. Vivendi's influence in Italy came under increased scrutiny late last year as it built up a stake of 29 percent in the country's biggest private broadcaster, Mediaset (MS.MI).

French media giant Vivendi said on Monday it has no "de facto control" over Telecom Italia under Italian law. Acknowledging "de facto control" over Telecom Italia would compel Vivendi to consolidate its accounts, including an adjusted net financial debt of 25 billion euros ($29.6 billion). Vivendi's statement, albeit technical in its wording, underscores the growing pressure it faces in Italy, where local authorities are increasingly questioning the way it has erupted in the telecommunications and broadcasting businesses.